(LONGFORM ARTICLE)

Minimizing My Digital Tracks

Camilla AB | March 23, 2024

Minimizing my digital tracks, what an absurd thought! Is that even possible? I’m wondering whether I should be perturbed about the matter of privacy or the lack thereof. Is privacy even a thing in the digital world? I’ll leave you to think about it.

Every second, as I work on my computer, interact with apps on my cellphone, enter and exit business places, or take a walk down the street, I’m exchanging and releasing my personal information which is being shared around the world with God knows who! And the worst thing of all is, I’m not receiving any form of compensation for the data I’m providing, how pathetic?!

A few months ago, I was petrified. But now, I feel like I have lost all care and concern – maybe I’m in a state of denial or I just feel defeated. Why even bother?! It’s the inevitable. We live in a technologically driven age that communicates in a digital language. If I don’t speak the language, I’m afraid I might be ex-communicated. So, I give up! I’m being surveyed and that’s the way it is.

Tracking cannot be Evaded

In order to engage in business and economics, active involvement in the digital world cannot be eluded. In the banking industry for example, the ownership of a credit or debit card is almost mandatory for trading and other transactions.

I have no appreciation for either monopolies or monopsonies because they inhibit competition. It’s unfair to us consumers and means we have to take whatever is served. This can be devastating and possibility detrimental in some cases. If possibly, consumers can demonstrate disgust through a boycotting of the system or a rebellion.

It is through these rebellions that subcultures are formed – communities that deviate or breakaway from the dominant cultural and incorporate cultural norms, and beliefs systems.

In retrospect, I realize that one day, I might become a greater participant in the system – tracking those who visits my website and seeks ways to build community, participation, and engagement. I hope I’ll be able to be in the system but not necessarily of the system.

Platform to Promote, Curate, Save, and Share my Work

I plan to promote my website on LinkedIn and Instagram. LinkedIn is a social network that consist of a community of professionals. It’s an excellent platform to meet stakeholders (for e.g. teachers, career coaches, guidance councillors, and other professionals) who can utilize my work as resources for their students.

Instagram is also a social network that caters to a younger demographic age group. This, I believe, will provide direct access to my target audience. On this page, I will utilize videos to share testimonials of professionals in the world of work. This should motivate students as they learn about the dynamics of each field.

What’s your strategy for tracking your work?

Google Analytics (google.com/analytics) really seems to be an excellence tool for tracking the performance and interaction of clients or visitors to my website. The detailed and informative report graphically illustrates data on visitors and their activities across the site. I like the fact that application captures almost all the relevant data to help me monitor the efficiency of my site. Important data like what attracts visitors to the site, referrals, and even who made the referrals. Things like the amount of time viewers spent on site and page views are also essential.